A pathetic story is told of a fatal encounter,
caused by a trifle light as air, which took place in the year
1667 at Covent Garden, between Sir Henry Bellasis and Tom Porter
--the same witty soul who wrote a play called "The Villain," which
was performed at the Duke's Theatre, and described as "a pleasant
tragedy."
These worthy gentlemen and loyal friends loved each other
exceedingly. One fatal day, both were bidden to dine with Sir
Robert Carr, at whose table it was known all men drank freely;
and having feasted, they two talked apart, when bluff Sir Henry,
giving words of counsel to honest Tom, from force of earnestness
spoke louder than his wont. Marvelling at this, some of those
standing apart said to each other, "Are they quarrelling, that
they talk so high?" overhearing which the baronet replied in a
merry tone, "No, I would have you know I never quarrel but I
strike; and take that as a rule of mine." At these words Tom
Porter, being anxious, after the manner of those who have drunk
deep, to apprehend offence in speech of friend or foe, cried out
he would like to see the man in England that durst give him a
blow. Accepting this as a challenge, Sir Henry dealt him a
stroke on the ear, which the other would have returned in anger
but that they were speedily parted.
And presently Tom Porter, leaving the house full of resentment
for the injury he had received, and of resolution to avenge it,
met Mr. Dryden the poet, to whom he recounted the story.
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